Can Using a Limited Scope Attorney Save Money on my Case in Orange County?
Can I save money using a limited scope attorney in Orange County or Los Angeles, California? Simply put, if you only look at the cost of the attorney, using a limited scope attorney will save you money on attorney costs in the short term in Orange County, California. A limited scope attorney is an attorney with whom you have an agreement that says certain parts of your case will be handled with the help of the attorney and certain parts you will handle on your own. Of course, if you do not have your attorney do everything for you, the cost of your attorney will be lower.
However, if using a limited scope attorney costs you your case, you could end up paying much more in the end than you would have had your attorney fully represented you throughout your case. Limited scope attorneys can save you money, but only if they are appropriate for your case.
What is a California Limited Scope Attorney?
A limited scope attorney offers limited scope representation for certain cases. There are several ways this can be done, depending on your attorney and the agreement you have made together.
• Your attorney can simply be there to provide you with legal advice related to your case when you have questions;
• Your attorney can represent you on certain issues within your case, but not others. For example, if you’re getting a divorce and you represent yourself during the division of debts and assets, but your attorney represents you while child support and custody are being determined;
• Your attorney can represent you at hearings and prepare your court documents, but you can file the paperwork with the court on your own;
• You can hire an attorney to coach you through representing yourself at court hearings, and prepare the evidence you will present, but the attorney will not actually be present at the hearings;
• You and your attorney can come up with your own schedule of which parts of your case you can handle yourself and which ones you need assistance from an attorney.
What are the Benefits of a Limited Scope Attorney in my California Legal Case?
Many people do choose to use limited scope representation in order to make the most of their legal budget. If you choose the right attorney and create an appropriate plan for your case, you can handle the simpler portions of your case on your own and only get help from the attorney when you need it most.
This allows the attorney to focus on the most important aspects of your case and gives you more control over the case. It is important to remember to ask your attorney for help in creating a plan that works for you and your case. He or she has had legal training and will likely recognize things you wouldn’t in your case.
Do Courts Accept Limited Scope Representation in California?
The Court encourages every person who is involved in a legal battle to reach out to an attorney, and to request as much legal help as possible in order to protect their rights. Although limited scope representation is new in some counties in California, it is important for every person to have access to quality legal representation.
Is Limited Scope Representation Right for My Legal Case in California?
Most attorneys offer an initial consultation, usually either at no cost or at a reduced cost. Take this opportunity to discuss your options with potential attorneys, and let them know your budgetary concerns as well as the details of your case. An attorney can help you determine whether or not limited scope representation can work for you.
It is important to discuss all of your case with a lawyer. If you leave details out, there may be something important you could have overlooked. If you and your attorney agree that limited scope representation could work for you, create a plan that states which parts of your case your attorney will be involved in, and which he or she will not.
Representing Yourself vs. Limited Scope Representation vs. Full Representation
Limited scope representation offers several benefits over full representation.
• You will save money on attorney costs by having an attorney only assist with those parts of the case that you cannot do yourself;
• The attorney can focus his or her time on the more difficult aspects of your case, rather than spending his or her time and your money on the smaller aspects;
• You will have more control over the case by being more involved.
However, full representation also offers benefits in some situations over limited scope representation.
• Some cases have strict deadlines, are very technical, or are complex. Depending on the type of case you have, you may need full representation in order to be successful;
• If you do not have the time to work on your case on your own without an attorney, you may miss important deadlines or allow your case to suffer simply by being too busy;
• If your attorney does not help with the more complex issues in your case and you misrepresent yourself, you do risk losing your case, and potentially, increasing the cost and time it requires.
Limited scope representation can also offer some benefits over self representation in many cases. It usually advised that every person at least consult an attorney for their legal issue, especially for the following reasons.
• If you haven’t gone to law school, you aren’t aware of what you don’t know. Your attorney can point out pieces of your case you may be overlooking, or things that may help you that you didn’t know existed;
• A third party who isn’t involved in your case, like an attorney, can often see past the emotional ties to the actions that make the most sense in your legal situation.
Free Consultation with Orange County Limited Scope Attorneys
If you have a legal case and are concerned about your budget or your legal representation, contact the attorneys at Yanez & Associates to discuss limited scope representation in Orange County. We offer free initial consultations, and we’re here to help you.